Reptile Lighting

Depending on what type of reptile you own and where the reptile comes from will help you secure the right reptile lighting source. Almost all reptiles need ultraviolet light. As a guide there are bulb strengths in several percents; two Uvb, five Uvb, ten Uvb and twelve Uvb. If your reptile comes from the forest or jungle there is a bulb that will be the perfect reptile lighting product. Some of the choices you will be introduced to are the uvb fluorescent tube, daylight fluorescent lamps and mercury vapour lighting. This article will provide the information needed for the proper reptile lighting products.

Reptile basking lamps are essential if you have a reptile that needs to be kept warm on a regular basis. It provides warmth just like the sun and there will be a specific spot within the vivarium that is hot. You can purchase a screw type bulb or one with a bayonet. There are halogen reptile lighting products that will give the environment an even brighter atmosphere. Because they use less energy than a regular bulb they can save money.

If you wish to just provide light for the reptile you can use a daylight fluorescent lamp. While they give out some uvb rays they are mostly used just for brightness. There is a lighting controller that makes it work. When using a controller you need to make sure that the watt of the bulb and controller is the same. There are also compact fluorescent reptile lamps. They do offer UVB lighting and they don’t have to have a starter but it is well known that there are still not as good as there tube counterparts. Small areas work best for this type of reptile lighting. If you are going to use fluorescent tubes purchasing a reflector is advisable because it will accentuate the light even more and help direct all the light down towards your reptile.

Another good source of reptile lighting is mercury vapour lighting. This bulb does it all: light, heat and UVB rays. It has its own ballast so you don’t have to buy a starter like you would if you were using the UVB fluorescent tubes. This type of bulb does a great job for turtles and in larger reptile environments.

If you like to see your reptile in a night time atmosphere you will want a reptile lighting product such as a reptile night lamp or night bulb. This lighting produces a dim presence so that your reptile can be observed without being disturbed. A reptile lighting product like this works well in any environment.

If you are going to use UVB fluorescent tubes to light your reptile enclosure there are a few other items that will be needed. It is a good idea to have extra starters, fasteners, light clips and reducing rings if they are necessary. When using a lamp type bulb as part of your reptile lighting a guard and a reflector will help. This type of lighting is great for brooder lamps and on tortoise tables.

This array of reptile lighting products will help to ensure that your reptile is getting the proper light. Without the use of UVB fluorescent tubes, daylight fluorescent lamps and mercury vapour lighting your pet reptile may not be getting the nutrients they need.